This inquiry activity supports student understanding of the cause of light, heat and shadow, how to measure the passage of time, and how to use rules and other measuring tools. Students make observations using shadows, a meter stick, and a homemade...(View More) sundial. This is the sixth of 10 inquiry investigations in Threads of Inquiry: Observing the World Around Us. Each lesson includes teacher background information, a narrative that models and describes the inquiry process applied in the lesson, and a hands-on inquiry investigation. Literacy extensions and a non-linguistic pre- and post-assessment are also included.(View Less)

This introductory lesson introduces the tool of scientific inquiry, beginning with observations inside and outside of the classroom, looking for changes, perspectives, and patterns. Measuring tools as simple as feet and fists are employed initially,...(View More) gradually moving to more complex instruments such as microscopes and scales. Resources needed include plastic bags, crayons and paper, microscope, scale, and ruler. This is the first of 10 inquiry investigations in Threads of Inquiry: Observing the World Around Us. Each lesson includes teacher background information, a narrative that models and describes the inquiry process applied in the lesson, and a hands-on inquiry investigation. Literacy extensions and a non-linguistic pre- and post-assessment are also included.(View Less)

In this example, a carpenter uses the Pythagorean theorem to make sure the corners of his cabinets are square. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers...(View More) showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

In this problem set, students are led through a series of calculations to determine the best launch site for a TV satellite. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and...(View More) engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

In this resource, the author uses graphing and the linear scale to explain what logarithms are then describes examples that show how logarithms are used in the field of engineering. Examples include vibration levels in the Space Shuttle and the...(View More) Richter Scale for earthquakes. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

In this exercise, learners use basic arithmetic to determine the amount that sea level would rise around the globe with the melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Basic data for this calculation is provided. This resource is from PUMAS -...(View More) Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

This math problem demonstrates a lawyer's use of some very simple science and math. The case involves a $26 million lawsuit over a construction waste landfill and lead contamination. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science -...(View More) a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

In this example, a computer scientist describes how the remainder in integer division has utility in pattern recognition and in computer programming. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples...(View More) created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

In this activity, students develop reasonable calendar designs for an imaginary planet using factoring as a problem solving strategy. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by...(View More) scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)

In this exercise, students learn about the historical development of the Julian and the Gregorian Calendars and design a reasonable calendar for an imaginary planet, considering the cycle period and making design tradeoffs, This resource is from...(View More) PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)